Each year, the holiday season brings out a wide range of emotions, and often these emotions vary from person to person. While holiday celebrations can feel like a source of joy for some, they can trigger feelings of anxiety and depression in others. In fact, according to a study done by NAMI, 64% of individuals struggling with mental illness reported that their symptoms worsened over the holidays.

This year, we at Wellspring want to remind you that you are not alone if you are struggling with your mental health during this season of life! The holidays are tricky to navigate, so we want to give you a few helpful tools to manage holiday stress and find joy in the reason for celebration:

Do less, and enjoy more.

This year, know it’s okay to invite fewer people, opt for more discreet decorations, or delegate tasks needed to be done. During the holidays, we often put too much pressure on ourselves to prepare and perform instead of simply enjoying the season! The key here is to recognize your priorities and then honor your health, time, and resources for your own mental health. Knowing your limits and setting realistic expectations for yourself will allow you to truly enjoy the holidays without overdoing it.

Create new traditions.

When the holidays stir up feelings of loneliness and other negative emotions, brainstorm some ways to experience some positive ones! Sending cards, making cookies, or crafting with family and friends are just a few easy ways to create traditions and connect with your community. When we choose to create new experiences, we are not only choosing to create room for positive emotions but choosing to create wonderful memories that will last for years to come.

Take time for yourself.

No matter what your family or friends say, taking care of yourself is not selfish! Although it takes practice, this holiday season, try being honest about how you truly feel with yourself and your loved ones. If you need a break during time together, express how you feel without guilt. Prioritizing activities that will help you relax such as a walk in nature or taking a long shower or bath are great ways to help you take care of yourself this season. If you think a loved one may also be in need of some self-care, encourage them to try it for themselves!

Support loved ones.

Given that the holidays inevitably increase feelings of grief and loss, it’s important to be connected in community during this time. This year, we encourage you to reach out to a family member or friend who may be struggling this season. Whether inviting them to a celebration or enjoying an activity together, the connection you build will help both of you remember that we have each other to be thankful for this season!

Seek help when you need it!

If at any point during this holiday season you feel like your mental health is too hard to manage on your own, don’t be hesitant to ask for help from a loved one or reach out for more resources. This year, trauma therapy, group work, or DBT techniques may help you better manage your holiday stress, and we want to help you receive the mental health care you deserve. As we navigate this time of year, it is also important to remember that God offers us his perfect peace. Even amidst the stress and uncertainty, when we invite the Holy Spirit to be with us, we can rest in knowing that God is the same as He was, as He is now, and as He will be forever.

How Wellspring Can Help During the Holidays

We know that committing to your health during the holidays is hard, so if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed this season, contact Wellspring to meet with a therapist through our in-person or online services. We would be honored to help you not only get through, but enjoy a peaceful, healthy, and memorable holiday season! To learn more about our counseling and free mental health resources, visit our website: www.wellspringmiami.org.

For more on how to handle the holidays that aren’t so happy, listen to this week’s podcast: Wellspring on the Air: Handling Unhappy Holidays.